The very idea may well have raised eyebrows a notch higher than even the late Sean Connery could achieve as Bond, James Bond but hybrid power is now part and parcel of the new Land Rover Defender mix.
For 2021 Model Year a new Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) model – the P400e – is key to Defender 110’s expanded appeal. Combining a powerful 2,0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and 105 kW electric motor, the P400e delivers substantial torque alongside low running costs, with CO2 emissions of just 74 g/km and combined economy of 2,8 l/100 km.
It will run in all-electric mode with zero tailpipe emissions for up to 43 km, including off-road where the immediate torque from the electric motor makes Defender even more capable.
Available with the 110 body design, it delivers a blend of performance and economy while also being the most capable and durable electrified Land Rover and is capable of being driven in low range purely in EV mode, bringing a new dimension to adventures in the wild.
The 2,0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine produces 221 kW and a 105 kW electric motor powered by a 19,2 kWh battery provides a combined output of 297 kW from its PHEV powertrain.
Standard on all Defender P400e models are 20-inch alloy wheels, Electronic Air Suspension and a charging port located on the left-hand side of the vehicle. All PHEV variants come with a Mode 3 charging cable as standard, while an optional Mode 2 cable is also available.
The Mode 3 charging cable enables charging to 80% in two hours, while charging via a Mode 2 cable will take around seven hours to charge to 80% – perfect for home charging overnight. Using a rapid charger, the P400e charges to 80% capacity in 30 minutes.
The Defender P400e is available with the option of five or six seats, standard three-zone climate control, Privacy Glass and Solar Attenuating Glass. Specific to the PHEV variant is regenerative braking, a key technological component in achieving impressive fuel economy, recuperating energy lost under deceleration and braking and sending it back into the battery pack.
Defender offers high and low range off-road capabilities in full electric mode and it can tow up to 3 000 kg, and is capable of carrying a roof load of 168 kg (dynamic) or 300 kg (static).
The X-Dynamic’s name gives a clue to its identity – namely a suite of enhancements to deliver a tougher look and feel, courtesy of exterior accents, including Silicon Satin front and rear skid pans, with matching grille bar and badging plus Rear Recovery Loops in Satin Black.
All alloy wheels come in Satin Dark Grey/Gloss Black finish, alongside Narvik Black mirror caps, window decals and lower sill and wheel arch cladding.
Inside, elements include illuminated metal treadplates and Robustek seat material in Duotone colour finish with Robustek ribbon accent and Console Finishers.
Robustek is a highly robust and protective material inspired by textiles used in extreme outdoor situations. It’s hard-wearing and resistant to abrasions, with a hexagonal pattern and unique texture that adds greater depth to the Defender’s interior.
The Robustek material is standard on all X-Dynamic models in a range of colourways dependent on the specification pack. Defender X-Dynamic SE models feature Duotone Grained Leather with Robustek accent, while the X-Dynamic HSE features Duotone Windsor Leather with Robustek accent. All come in a choice of Ebony, Khaki, Ebony and Acorn, or Lunar seat colours.
X-Dynamic interior badging and centre console finishers also distinguish the new addition, alongside the Light Grey Cross-Car Beam Powder Coat, Ebony Morzine headlining and Eiger Grey satin door handles.
Alongside the Defender 110, the Defender 90 is available with up to six seats when fitted with the jump seat in the front row.
With the exception of a P400e plug-in-hybrid (PHEV), the Defender 90 is powered by the same range of petrol and diesel Ingenium engines including a 3,0-litre turbo-charged P400 with MHEV technology and the 2,0-litre turbo-charged petrol P300, alongside the new in-line six-cylinder D300 and the 2,0-litre turbo-diesel D240. Like the 110, all Defender 90 models use an eight-speed automatic gearbox, with permanent all-wheel drive.
Inside, the 90 features the same interior design as the 110, with a range of models to choose from across S, X-Dynamic SE, X-Dynamic HSE, X and First Edition models depending on engine choice.
With space for up to six, the driver and passengers all benefit from the spacious interior, despite an overall length that’s shorter than a compact family hatchback. The Defender 90 also provides a tight a turning circle of 11,3 m for excellent manoeuvrability. Defender 90 is also available with a choice of four Accessory Packs: Adventure, Country, Explorer and Urban – giving customers the ability to take their Defender anywhere they want, with the equipment to get there with ease.
The updated 2021 Model Year Defender 110 and 90 will be available in South Africa in the first half of next year.
Defender 90 prices:
D240 S R1,095,600
D300 S R1,186,800
P300 S R1,095,600
P400 S R1,214,200
D240 X-Dynamic SE R1,215,500
D300 X-Dynamic SE R1,297,000
P300 X-Dynamic SE R1,215,500
P400 X-Dynamic SE R1,338,600
D240 X-Dynamic HSE R1,284,400
D300 X-Dynamic HSE R1,365,900
P300 X-Dynamic HSE R1,284,400
90 P400 X-Dynamic HSE R1,407,500
90 D240 First Edition R1,223,800
90 P400 First Edition R1,341,700
D300 X R1,542,100
P400 X R1,575,000
Defender 110 prices:
D240 S R1,143,900
D300 S R1,235,900
P300 S R1,143,900
P400 S R1,265,000
P400e S R1,519,100
D240 X-Dynamic SE R1,269,100
D300 X-Dynamic SE R1,350,700
P300 X-Dynamic SE R1,269,100
P400 X-Dynamic SE R1,390,200
P400e X-Dynamic SE R1,610,700
D240 X-Dynamic HSE R1,333,800
D300 X-Dynamic HSE R1,415,400
P300 X-Dynamic HSE R1,333,800
P400 X-Dynamic HSE R1,454,900
P400e X-Dynamic HSE R1,675,500
D240 First Edition R1,281,000
P400 First Edition R1,397,500
D300 X R1,596,300
P400 X R1,640,600
P400e X R1,726,600
